| "Backbreaker" Couloir Route |
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Resources | "Backbreaker" Couloir   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Route Type: Mountaineering, Skiing Season: Spring Time Required: A long day Rock Difficulty: Class 3 Difficulty: Hard
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| Page By: dmandave Created/Edited: Jul 21, 2010 / Jul 21, 2010 Object ID: 640291 Hits: 2220 Loading... Page Score: 85.04% - 1 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewThe "Backbreaker" couloir is located off Copeland's north face and is surrounded by jagged spires of treacherous looking rock. However, the route is manageable, at least as a descent on skis.
Getting ThereThe route is accessed via the Bluebird Lake Trail, which is sought from the Wild Basin Trailhead. You'll want to cut south about a half mile before you reach the actual lake, which will avoid having to backtrack. Route DescriptionA good view of the route beforehand will do you well for the ascent, as the series of couloirs can become quite a maze once you're within them. Essentially, you'll want to swing lookers right of the main couloir (the leftmost route in this photo:
 Route options for Copeland
for the first 150 feet of ascent, and then make your way back into the main couloir for the rest of the way to the summit. There is a cliff band at the entrance of the main couloir which this dog leg should help you avoid.
Essential GearCrampons and ice axe for spring ascents/descents.External LinksTrip Report Images
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Rocky Mountain National Park > Copeland Mountain > "Backbreaker" Couloir
